Interpreters wanted

As in most immigrant communities, every immigrant child probably has a long history of translating while growing up.  

 

My history as a language interpreter goes way back. Thou I don’t remember the exact first experience, I remember an incident that occurred sometime early on in elementary school.  

 

In the midst of a classroom lesson, the teacher received a call. Shortly after, she approached me with instructions to report to the principal's office, immediately.  

 

I was mortified.  

 

I remember slowly making my way down, pondering in my little mind every event that has recently occurred. “What could I have possibly done wrong?”, I thought. By the time I reached the office, I could no longer speak. 

 

But to my surprise, there was another student in the office when I arrived.  I recognized him from our local church. His family has just relocated to the United States. The principal simply called me down so that I would help him understand a few important instructions.  

 

Of course, there were many more such and other incidents.   

 

By sixteen, I had the 5-Hour Road Test questions nearly memorized. I sat in as an interpreter on more than one occasion.

 

While in college, the demand for interpreters increased yet again due to the influx of new immigrants in our community. I was persuaded to pursue formal training which in-turn would also help pay for my college expenses.  

 

Then I learned that there was an entire science behind becoming a language translator. I endured eighty lengthy hours of learning how to effectually listen and speak.  

 

Much of that training came in handy later.  

 

When I study the Bible, I find that there's also an entire science behind becoming interpreters of God’s word. God is in search for attentive careful listeners that will speak only what they hear him say. Doing so, they help others understand important instructions otherwise unknown to them.

  

Jesus modeled this throughout his entire ministry. The scriptures highlight his devotion to time spent in solitude, intentionally listening to the father.

 

 

I have not spoken on My own, but the Father who sent Me has commanded Me what to say and how to say it.... So I speak exactly what the Father has told Me to say. (John 12:49-50 BSB) 

 

Interpreters never take active part in the conversation. They simply reiterate everything that has already been spoken. 

Interpreters may ask for supportive clarification. Likewise, attentive quiet time spent in the scriptures will bring clarity and understanding to the listener.

Jesus instructed his followers to do likewise.  

 

….what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. (Matt. 10:27) 

 

 Another translation says…

what is whispered in your ear, proclaim from the housetops.…

 

 

 

 

Supporting Text 

 

I will put My words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. (Deu. 18:18) 

 

 

But the One who sent Me is truthful, and what I have heard from Him, I tell the world. (John 8:26) 

 

...then you will know that I am He, and that I do nothing on My own, but speak exactly what the Father has taught Me... (John 8:28) 

 

 And Samuel said, “Speak, for Your servant is listening. (1 Sa. 3:10)